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This campground is open mid-June through mid-September and located at 10000 feet at the end of the Rainbow Lakes Road and adjacent to the [Indian Peaks Wilderness](http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/indianpeaks). This road is closed for winter and typically reopens in June. Before traveling to this area, check the [Road Status Table](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5339508). There are 18 first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate tents (on 14X16 foot tent pads) and small trailers. A maximum of eight people are allowed per site. Campsite 8 is oversized and accomodates up to 15 people. Campsites 15 - 18 are walk in sites for tents. Picnic tables, fire grates, vault toilets and trash services are provided at each campsite. 14-day stay limit. This campground does not feature drinking water, electricity, hook-ups, dump stations, nor showers. Please remember to bring water. Rainbow Lakes Campground is normally full for the weekend by Friday morning so plan to arrive early. No reservations are accepted. [Click here](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5407243.pdf) for a map of this campground.
From Nederland, head north on Colorado Highway 72 for approximately seven miles. Look for the University of Colorado Mountain Research Station sign and turn west onto National Forest System Road 298. This route is gated during the winter. This road is a five-mile, native-surfaced road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.
The road to get in is 5 miles long and will take about 15 or 20 mins bc its rough and rocky and filled with potholes. BUT The views are amazing. Expect neighbors. Its $17 a night but omg the mountain and sky views are worth it. Plus you are a part if the arapaho glacier trail (a MuST for good hikers) nd the rainbow lakes trail (easy trail). So on the way back you can go right to your tent and trust me after 8 miles round trip and the most breathtaking view 12745 feet can give you. Rainbow lakes campground is at about 10k feet in elevation so you will be out of breath. Go easy. They provide bear proof lockers at each camp site. Much needed more for the abundance of chipmunks. The bathrooms are vault toilets and smell awful. The ones by sites 15 thru 18 are the cleanest and arent too terrible. One of the best camp sites I've ever stayed at. We even stayed 2 days.
Moderately priced, beautiful campground. We camped at one of the walk-in sites. It was totally worth it. Amazing being up 10,000+ ft camping. Trails to get to the lakes were well maintained. Bathrooms were clean. Bear box, picnic table, fire pit and tent pad provided at each site. Would definitely go back.
Very beautiful area. You have your basic stuff bear proof locker, your tent area is separated from you eating area. I like how you gotta walk a bit from your car to get to your spot. All spots are very private which is nice. They have the public toilets no water but for $2 Tim the camp host can get you a gallon. We loved the trail to lakes. Do not recommend you bring low vehicles as it says before you start driving narrow, rough roads lol. Very clean camp grounds. We will come back for sure.
I’ve been here twice and it’s a very beautiful area. Especially if you can get one of the spots by the stream which I did yesterday. I feel safe there camping solo.
